In its broadest context, play can be interpreted as any pleasurable use of discretionary time. Playfulness is an intrinsic feature of being human, and should be viewed in the light of a total lifestyle, not as an occurrence in an isolated time of life. Adult play appears to be an indefinable and controversial concept. A holistic approach should be taken to understand the phenomenon of adult play, given its wide breadth of definition and interpretation. As the human being matures, play behavior and reasons for participating in play activities change and evolve. Adults are able to create their approaches to play, either by contrasting work and other life attitudes with play behavior, or by choosing play activities that reinforce their life styles. Many goals, methods, and styles of work are increasingly spilling over into leisure activity. An important challenge is to restore the quality of playfulness to adult play. Those concerned with teaching or providing play awareness must pay attention to Aristotle's ancient ideal of an integrated--body/mind/spirit--person. Social systems, educators, administrators, families, and individuals of all capabilities must join in a concerted attempt to develop natural play in a holistic fashion. (CJ)